New Orleans Saints defensive coordinator Rob Ryan could be dismissed following the season, but he has the support of several players on the team like CB Keenan Lewis and DE Tyrunn Walker. Many other defensive players also have voiced confidence in Ryan's ability.

New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton said his relationship with defensive coordinator Rob Ryan is "outstanding," and he denied reports that said Ryan's firing is coming because of a bad relationship between the two coaches. Payton was recently caught shouting at Ryan on the sidelines of the team's Week 13 game. "(Ryan) and I get along. We're doing great," said Payton.

New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton said he believes LB Jonathan Vilma, a prototypical 4-3 middle linebacker, can make the switch to the team's new 3-4 scheme under defensive coordinator Rob Ryan. Vilma is considered undersized to play middle linebacker in the 3-4; however, Payton can envision Vilma playing in a weakside linebacker spot with LB Curtis Lofton staying as a middle linebacker.

The New Orleans Saints have denied a report that outspoken defensive coordinator Rob Ryan would need special permission from the team's vice president of communication Greg Bensel before speaking to the media. "Report that Rob Ryan needs to get my OK before speaking to media is 100 percent false - he like all of our coaches, follow norm league media rules," Bensel said via Twitter.

New Orleans Saints defensive coordinator Rob Ryan said he was stunned after being fired by his former team, the Dallas Cowboys. Ryan feels he was a scapegoat for the team's disappointing 2012 campaign. "Oh yeah, look, I was a little shocked," Ryan said. "I knew they had to do something after an 8-8 season. They choose me to be the guy, sure."